Sunday 24th May
Nunawadng City 1 - Doncaster Rovers 5
Following the win against Riversdale the lads were looking for 3 points and a good goal difference against a lowly Nunawading side. For the first 15 minutes Doncaster kept the opposition in their own half, missing chance after chance, as has happened too often this season. Then on 16 minutes, Nunawading borke away and scored against the run of play.This jolted Doncaster into life and a minute later a corner from Cam ended up back at his feet , where he knocked in a low cross that deceived everyone and ended up in the bottom corner of the goal. Next minute, Ben takes a free kick from outside the area and floats in shot into the top right hand corner. Next minute, a good cross from josh is headed in by Cam at the far post. Then a minute before half time, Julian finds the ball at his feet in the area and with a sweet turn, cracks the ball into the roof of the net, Half time 1-4.
The second half continued similar to the first except only one goal, a well taken header by James. Some very nice football played by the boys, but they must learn to take their chances.
U13A Tuesday 26th May
Bulleen Superleague 1 - 1 Doncaster Rovers 13A (Friendly)
A match on Bulleen new sythetic pitch was an offer to good to turn down, and the fact it was against a super league side gave us the opportunity to see how well the lads had developed over the early part of the season. Or boys did not disappoint us! They played some super football , with the determination to win alongside the composed passing game that is a joy to watch. Ben put us ahead with a great strike from outside the box, which even Bulleen's state keeper could not keep out. The game continued to be very competetive with Doncaster more than matching their higher league counterparts, only to concede a well taken goal with 5 minutes to go. All in all, a very good game to watch and the evening finished with a well-deserved meal at La Porchetta, Ivanhoe, owned by spray-jacket sponsor, Rob Velardo.
U13A Sunday 31st May
Doncaster Rovers 1 - 1 North Caulfield
Whether it was a hang-over from the Bulleen game or staying up to watch the FA cup final, the lads did not perform in this one. Gone was the slick passing game, gone was winning the 50/50 challenges, gone was the composure, etc, North Caulfield came out to play some nice football and appeared to 'want it more'. After a lack-lustre 0-0 first-half, the boys fired up in the second-half, only to go a goal down due to some soft defending, Ash played well in goal to keep Rovers in the game and Harry, on his return from injury, put in a solid performance. Rovers fought back and Damien put away a half chance to make it 1-1. A lively finish could have seen either side pinch the win but neither could find the net. Disappointing to drop 2 points in our quest for Superleague football next season. The only bright side of the day was hearing that Melbourne Phoenix, our arch-rivals, also drew. We are still on track!
